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Dittersdorf in Trouble

Donald Macleod explains how, as Dittersdorf grew older, a weakness for gambling led the young man into debt. He fled to Prague, with his employer in pursuit.

He was a favourite of the Austrian Emperor and the King of Prussia, and performed in quartets with Mozart and Haydn, this week Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf.

As a teenager, Carl Dittersdorf was taken on by a local Prince as a Page of the Chamber. At court, he was schooled in languages, and received tuition not only in music, but also dancing, riding, fencing and shooting. Dittersdorf would also have been expected to take part in performances. His musical talents were quickly recognised, and Carl began receiving extra music lessons from court composer, Giuseppe Bonno. However, as he grew older, a weakness for gambling led the young man into terrible debts. He fled to Prague, with his employer in pursuit.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf

    Serenade in F major (post. 1769) Allegro

    Performer: The Oradea Philharmonic Orchestra. Performer: Romeo Rimbu.
    • Olympia: OCD425.
    • Olympia.
    • 13.
  • Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf

    Symphony [after Ovid's Metamorphoses] no. 6 in D major - The Petrification of Phineus and his friends

    Conductor: Adrian Shepherd. Orchestra: Cantilena..
    • Chandos: CHAN8564/5.
    • Chandos.
    • 5.
  • Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf

    Sonata in E flat major, for viola and piano Adagio

    Performer: Werner Kloor. Performer: Peter Jansen.
    • Musica Rara: MUS15.
    • Musica Rara.
    • 3.
  • Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf

    Quartet no. 1 in D major Krebs.191 for strings

    Performer: Leipzig Gewandhaus String Quartet.
    • BERLIN CLASSICS : 0092612BC.
    • BERLIN CLASSICS.
    • 1.
  • Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf

    Concerto in G minor for oboe and string orchestra

    Orchestra: Camerata Bern. Performer: Thomas Füri. Performer: Heinz Holliger.
    • Archiv : 4271252.
    • Archiv.
    • 4.

Broadcast

  • Tue 15 Jul 2014 12:00

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